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B.A.S.S. Announces Official Launch Of Bass Anglers For Saltwater Conservation

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B.A.S.S. Announces Official Launch Of Bass Anglers For Saltwater Conservation

A new online advocacy system — Bass Anglers for Saltwater Conservation — provides opportunities for recreational anglers nationwide to contact their legislators about important issues concerning both fresh and saltwater angling.

June 1, 2015

B.A.S.S. Announces Official Launch Of Bass Anglers For Saltwater Conservation

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today, along with a large coalition of angler groups, the official launch of Bass Anglers for Saltwater Conservation (BASC), a new intuitive online advocacy system that allows fishing enthusiasts to write, call or tweet their legislators through prewritten engagements online.

“Bass Anglers for Saltwater Conservation is, at its core, an opportunity for fans of bass fishing and B.A.S.S. to channel their passion for all things fishing into good public policies that concern our sport,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “Right now, the fisheries policy battles in Congress are focused on saltwater fishing, but tomorrow these issues could spread to freshwater lakes, rivers, or countless other fisheries we love to fish.

“Bass Anglers for Saltwater Conservation was designed to give all anglers a voice and platform by which to contact lawmakers and advocate for the preservation and growth of recreational angling, and we are proud to support it. Through this new advocacy system, we hope to create a brotherhood of anglers that defends fisheries access for all anglers, regardless of where they fish.”

By accessing Bass Anglers for Saltwater Conservation, BassforSalt.com, fishing enthusiasts can simply fill out their constituent information and contact their legislators through the method they chose. BASC then automatically identifies the appropriate legislators and provides users with talking points for a call, a prewritten letter, or even a prewritten tweet based on the user’s preferences.

The timing of the debut of the website is appropriate, said B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland. He noted that the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote this week on the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act — the nation’s primary marine fisheries law — along with three key amendments to benefit recreational fishing.

“Opportunities to change federal fisheries management policy don’t come along very often,” Gilliland said. “In this case the thousands of bass anglers who also fish in saltwater need to contact their congressmen today! Encourage them to vote in favor of greater recreational fishing opportunity.”

Professional bass anglers also are joining the push to get freshwater fishermen more involved on issues that threaten all types of sportfishing.

“Bass Anglers for Saltwater Conservation isn’t just for bass anglers,” said Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jeff Kriet. “Many of the anglers I know fish in both salt and freshwater. The issues our coastal fisheries currently face could easily translate into freshwater if we do not take action. In order to ensure that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the same fishing experiences as the anglers of today, regardless of what they fish for or where they like to fish, we must raise a unified voice to the nation’s legislators. When the 33 million anglers in the U.S. come together for positive change, we are a force that cannot be ignored.”

The primary threat to the future of saltwater fishing is lack of access to thriving fish stocks. One example of this is the current situation with red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Once considered one of the most prized fish in the Gulf, red snapper’s federal season was reduced to a mere nine days in 2014, and only 10 days in 2015. However, according to the National Marine Fisheries Services’ own numbers, the population of Gulf Red Snapper is nearing its highest level in decades. Those who oppose recreational fishing are driving situations exactly like that of red snapper throughout America’s oceans, and may soon bring the battle to freshwater fisheries. If anglers stand idly by while this happens, the opportunities to continue the sport will be greatly endangered.

Bass Anglers for Saltwater Conservation provides a simple, easy-to-use tool for anglers to stand up against misguided policies. As policy battles move through Congress and the federal bureaucracy, anglers and recreational fishing enthusiasts will have the ability to contact their senators and representatives, as well as cabinet members and even the President of the United States with the click of a mouse. BASC will send action alerts to anglers who sign up for the newsletter, so that anglers everywhere can stay up-to-date on the policies that affect sportfishing.

For more information, visit BassforSalt.com or email c[email protected].

Northern Michigan University Wins Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Regional

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Northern Michigan University Wins Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Regional

Justin Brown (left) and Brandon Bissell of Northern Michigan University weighed in 15 pounds, 8 ounces to take home the trophy Saturday during the 2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Midwestern Regional presented by Bass Pro Shops held on Mississippi River out of La Crosse, Wis.

Photo by Shaye Baker/Bassmaster

May 30, 2015

Northern Michigan University Wins Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Regional

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LA CROSSE, Wis. — The biggest five-fish limit of the week propelled Northern Michigan University (NMU) to victory on the Mississippi River, crowning Justin Brown and Brandon Bissell Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Midwestern Regional Champions.

With Bass Pro Shops presenting the event, it was only fitting that the Bass Pro Nitro Big Bag for the tournament sealed the deal for the NMU Wildcats.

The Wildcats brought in 44 pounds, 3 ounces over the course of three days; their final day weight accounted for 15-8 of that. Brown and Bissell fished hollow-body frogs around shallow vegetation in both Minnesota and Wisconsin waters along the Mississippi River.

“It was a tough day for us,” Brown said. “We didn’t get near as many bites today, but we were fishing for big fish, so it worked out pretty great.”

With their win, Brown and Bissell, along with the remainder of the Top 13 teams, advance to the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. The event will be held on Lake DuBay in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in July.

“Lake DuBay is a tough smallmouth fishery, and we have a lot of tough smallmouth fisheries in Michigan, so we’re looking forward to it,” Bissell said.

Bissell also took a moment to thank his grandparents for timely assistance in reaching the tournament.

“If any of you out there are grandparents, you have more influence on your grandchildren’s lives than you have any idea,” Bissell said. “I had a lot of truck troubles before heading up here. Funding was going to be a little short, and we weren’t going to be able to make the tournament. Look where we’re at now.”

Brown and Bissell bumped Day 2 leaders Cade Laufenberg and Wyatt Stout of Winona State University down one spot. Laufenberg and Stout finished the event in second place with a three-day total of 41-2.

Austin Brimeyer and Anthony Riesberg of the University of Dubuque rounded out the Top 3 with 39-8.

Troy Switajewski and Daniel Carlson of St. Cloud State took the Carhartt Big Bass honors with their 4-pound, 6-ounce bass from Day 2.

For a complete list of results or for more information on the upcoming National Championship, please visit Bassmaster.com.

Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops – Midwestern Regional

5/28/2015 – 5/30/2015

Mississippi River – Veterans Freedom Park – La Crosse, WI

STANDINGS BOATER DAY 3

Today’s Activity

# Fish Lbs – Oz

Accumulative

Name # Live # Fish # Live Lbs – Oz

1 Justin Brown – Brandon Bissell Northern Michigan University 5 5 15- 8 15 15 44- 3
2 Cade Laufenberg – Wyatt Stout Winona State University 5 5 11-10 15 15 41- 2
3 Austin Brimeyer – Anthony Riesberg University of Dubuque 5 5 13-10 15 15 39- 8
4 Sheldon Rogge – Lance Maldonado Kansas State University 5 5 11- 9 15 15 38- 4
5 Grant Ehlenfeldt – Brett Stanek University of Wisconsin-Platteville 5 5 11-10 15 15 37- 4
6 Cole Atkinson – St Ambrose University 5 5 13- 0 15 15 36-15
7 Tyler Rocke – Justin Schick Illinois Central College 5 5 12- 7 15 15 36-15
8 Kit Benson – Wes Lashmett Western Illinois University 5 5 11-12 15 14 35-12
9 Jared Mataczynski – Steve Nebel University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 5 5 11- 3 15 15 35-11
10 Samuel Moore – Ross Kellermeier Bemidji State University 5 5 12- 0 15 14 35- 2
11 Taylor Bivins – Kyle Alsop Kansas State University 5 5 9-12 15 14 34- 7
12 Justin Bruno – Brody Anderson Grand Valley State University 5 5 10-15 15 15 34- 2
13 Trevor Lo – Chris Burgan University of Minnesota 5 5 10- 3 15
14 34- 0 14 Tyler Nekolny – Adam Fuchs Kansas State University 5 5 10- 2
15 15 33- 9 15 Pat Bowers – Sig Finley University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse 4 4 8-12 14 14 33- 5
16 Nick Carter – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 4 4 8- 0 14 14 32- 1
17 Troy Switajewski – Daniel Carlson St. Cloud State 3 3 5- 3 13 13 30- 1
18 Qiurun Chen – Luke Stoner University of Illinois 4 4 6-13 14 14 29-15
19 Ty Woodward – Max Hellmann University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 1 1 1- 4 11 11 28- 2
20 Kason Morley – Ryan Pinkalla University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 2 2 4- 3 12 12 27- 4
21 Adam Knowles – Konner Kearney University of Wisconsin 10 10 22-13
22 Craig Wise – Jackson Grabeel Western Illinois University 10 10 22-12
23 Mitch VanErt – Steven Sellnow University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 10 10 22- 9
24 Michael Harlin – Ben Verhoef University of Missouri 10 10 22- 3
25 Nick Marsh – Jake Bayer Adrian College 10 10 22- 2
26 Jake Kurtzweg – Brandon Hiltner Bemidji State University 10 10 22- 1
27 Kody Mattson – Tayler Stolpa Winona State University 10 10 21-14
28 Cody Hahner – Mark Hugus University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 10 10 21-12
29 Bryce Wegman – Carlos Thomas Illinois State University 10 10 21-11
30 Evan Chambers – Travis Ketterhagen University of Wisconsin-Platteville 10 9 21-10
31 Nick Dion – Jake Crawford Lake Superior State University 10 10 21- 9
32 Eamonn Ryan – Nick Kushnerik University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 10 10 21- 8
33 Andrew Mohlenbrock – Hunter McKinley Murray State University 10 10 21- 2
34 Garrett Cates – Brett Herder Kansas State University 10 10 20-11
35 Jordan Ledbetter – Curtis Lilly McKendree University 10 10 20- 9
36 Jarrett Martin – Jeff Morton Adrian College 10 10 20- 8
37 Josh Pagel – Tanner Blaschka University of Wisconsin 10 10 20- 2
38 Andrew Guilliams – Adam Staples Missouri State University 10 9 19-10
39 Erik Quanrud – Tou Long Lor St. Cloud State 10 10 19- 7
40 Andrew Nordbye – Adam Almohtadi Northwest Missouri State University 10 10 19- 6
41 Thor Swanson – Mitch Swanson Bemidji State University 10 9 19- 6
42 Andrew Mlotek – Daniel Blasy University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 9 9 19- 3
43 Justin Lundborg – Cody Hallanger University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 10 10 19- 2
44 Nathan Hettinga – Dustin Genrich University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse 10 10 19- 1
45 Chris Oja – Dan Konkle Ferris State University 10 9 18- 9
46 Marshall Sandretto – Kevin Gross Milwaukee School of Engineering 8 8 18- 8
47 Danny Sprague – Cody Harris Michigan State University 9 9 17-14
48 Brandon Feldman – Brian Goebel University of Dubuque 9 9 17-13
49 Nick Uebelhor – University of Evansville 8 8 17-10
50 Brock Wilke – Taylor Schmitt McKendree University 8 8 17- 6
51 Alex Meister – Andrew Wolfe University of Wisconsin 8 8 17- 6
52 Ben Kroeger – Brad Schaefer University of Nebraska – Omaha 9 9 17- 5
53 Reece Ellerbusch – Trent Robinson McKendree University 9 9 17- 3
54 Brett Daggett – Jordan Saladis University of Wisconsin-Platteville 9 4 16-12
55 Ryan Kirkpatrick – Logan Thomas Murray State University 10 10 16-12
56 Carl Hanson – Michael Jansen University of Wisconsin-Stout 8 3 16- 9
57 Austin Williams – Garrett Haglin Bemidji State University 9 9 16- 7
58 Matt Feiten – Trevor Epping University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 9 9 15-15
59 Kyle McCarty – Kyle Knutson University of Wisconsin-Platteville 9 6 15-14
60 Phillip Germagliotti – Shane Campbell McKendree University 8 8 15- 4
61 John Murphy – Austin Niggli McKendree University 7 7 15- 3
62 Caleb Taylor – Zach Nelson Adrian College 8 8 14- 9
63 Charlie Sterrett – Bret Vogt University of Illinois 8 8 14- 8
64 Nate Sleight – Logan Archibald Lake Superior State University 7 7 14- 0
65 Dan Martin – Evan Hakman Eastern Illinois University 7 7 13- 7
66 Max Mercer – Keaton Williams University of Iowa 7 7 13- 4
67 Tyler Robinson – Hayden Roelofs Bemidji State University 6 6 12-13
68 Bryce Smith – Spencer Oemig University of Wisconsin 6 6 12- 8
69 Grant Stittleburg – Remington Stittleburg University of Wisconsin-Platteville 6 5 12- 4
70 Sam Sobieck – Connor Graham University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 6 6 10-14
71 Tyler Ellis – Matt Fielder Missouri State University 6 6 10-12
72 Luke Wagner – James McMullen Marquette University 5 5 8-11
73 Brian Lafferty – Sam Wheeler Western Illinois University 4 4 7-13
74 Austin Chapman – Brad Wyss McKendree University 4 4 7- 4
75 Joel Finch – Andrew Ketchum Ferris State University 3 3 7- 2
76 Brian McClanahan – Derrik Starrett McKendree University 3 3 5-10
77 Jordan Meddaugh – Matt Anchor University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 3 2 5- 4
78 Michaela Anderson – Alex Smith University of St Thomas 3 0 5- 4
79 Daniel Fuhrig – Colby Brauer University of Missouri 2 2 3-12
80 Grant Srajer – Travis Blinn Kansas State University 1 1 2- 5
81 Aaron Gohla – Darren Fruit University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2 2 1- 7
82 Derrick Meisenheimer – Brett Fickle University of Central Missouri 1 1 1- 5

BIG BASS                            TOTALS
DayName        City,StateLbs-Oz    Day  Fish   Live   Lbs-Oz  Limits
1Justin Brow Bear Lake,  3-13    1     347    337   40- 7      53
1Kit Benson  Naperville  3-13    2     337    321   33- 8      58
2Troy Switaj Princeton,  4- 6    3     88      88   99- 8      14
3Justin Brow Bear Lake,  3-13

Tips For Tricks By: Scott M. Petersen of Big Bite Baits

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Tips For Tricks By: Scott M. Petersen of Big Bite Baits

Tips For Tricks

By: Scott M. Petersen

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Just like the tradition of bass hitting the shallows every year in the spring to hunt for food and spawn we are bringing you the next Big Bite News Letter that talks about Trick Sticks.  There is something about spring, shallow bass, and Trick Sticks they just seem to go together. We have included some new rigs and tactics for this edition of the News Letter so sit back and take in this month’s Tips For Tricks.

Tricks Texas

Texas Rigged – No Weight

Here is how it all started, Trick Sticks rigged with no weight. There is something about a slow falling Trick Stick that no bass can seem to resist, rigged weightless the Trick Stick has a slow shimmy action to its fall. Match your hook size to the Trick Stick you are using and you will be all set. I generally match up a 5″ Trick Stick with a 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu worm hook, and if I go to a 4″ Trick I downsize to a 3/0 EWG Gamakatsu hook, if I up size to a 6″ Trick I upsize my hook as well to a 5/0 EWG Gamakatsu.

I generally let the conditions help me choose my equipment for fishing an un-weighted Trick. If I am fishing the 4″ and 5″ Tricks I many times will opt for a spinning setup, 7′ medium action rod with a matching spinning reel, spooled with either 8lb to 10lb Sunline Sniper line. If I am fishing in cover I will opt to go to Sunline SX1 20lb braided line as my line choice. When fishing around heavy cover that the bass can get me down into and break me off I will opt to change to a baitcaster setup and beef up my line size. I will use a 7ft medium action rod that is teamed with a baitcaster reel that is spooled with either 12lb to 16lb Sunline Sniper or 30lb SX1 braided line depending on conditions that I am fishing this is also the setup that I fish my 6″ Trick Sticks on.

Texas Rigged – Weighted

Weighting the Trick Stick will make it do different things as it falls, a lot of this action will depends where you place the weight. If you use a bullet worm weight in the front of the Trick Stick the Trick Stick will fall nose first into the cover you are fishing. You could say it has a nose down fall/swimming action. I use this rigging if the bass are active. If you use a weighted hook with the weight in the middle when the Trick Stick falls, it falls more in a horizontal straight position. I have found that this is one of the best ways to rig the Trick Stick if the bass are shut off or in a neutral mood. This bait coming down towards the bottom in a hover mode is sometimes more than they can resist.

One of the newest ways to fish a Trick Stick has come forward in the last few years is to tail weight the Trick Stick. This will make the Trick Stick fall backwards on a slack line. This rigging and tactic excels when fishing around docks and laydowns. When you pull the bait forward then give the bait slack by lowering the rod tip the Trick Stick will fall backwards. This tactic works great when working around cover or docks where you can lead the bait to an opening then drop it back into an area that may be holding bass.

When it comes to rigging the tail weighted Trick Stick you can do this in a few different ways, one of the easiest ways is to use either sheet metal or wood screws. This rigging will allow you to adjust the weight by changing the screw size. Another way is to use a screw lock weight. Take a weight that has a screw lock and screw it into the tail of the Trick Stick. The last way is to use lead nails. You can get these and cut them to the weight that is needed or you can use copper wire as a backup plan if needed. When it comes to equipment I pretty much follow what was said above.

Trick Jigs

Jig Head Trick Stick

When faced with bass in an inactive mood one of the baits that I always turn towards is a Trick Stick that is rigged on a weedless jig head. When the bass are active they will sit on the tops of the weeds chasing food, but when they get inactive they will have a tendency to sit at the bottom of  the weedline many times facing out looking for something easy to eat coming by, a Trick Stick on a weedless jig head fills this bill perfect. I have rigged the Trick Stick on, both weedless and exposed hook jig heads; I let the conditions dictate this choice.

When it comes to equipment for me it is a spinning setup all the way. I use a 7ft medium action spinning setup teamed with a matching spinning reel that is spooled with 8lb to 10lb Sunline Sniper line, or I will go up to 20lb Sunline SX1 braid if conditions call for it.


Tail Spin Sticks    

Over the years there have been a few different ways of how to rig and fish the Trick Stick that came from fishermen that had an idea; this is an example of one of these ideas. Looking at this rigging you will say to yourself “why didn’t I come up with this idea myself”. To make this rigging you will need a few different parts. To start take a 5″or 6″ Trick Stick and Texas rig it onto your hook. Next you will need Hitchhicker and a swivel with either a snap or a split ring and your choice of spinner blade.

Thread your Hitchhiker into the tail of your Trick Stick with the swivel rigged onto the Hitchhicker. Next you need to put some thought into the blade you choose. If you are just looking at add some flash to your offering you will want to pick a willow leaf blade. If you are looking to slow the fall down and add a little sound attraction you will want a Colorado blade option. If you are looking to fall in between then choose an Indiana blade option.

Fishing options, you can fish your Trick in a slow swimming action where you slowly reel your Trick Stick back in, or use a tradition lift and drop like you were fishing a Texas rigged Trick.  Equipment wise I fish this offering more on a 7ft medium action baitcaster, teamed with a baitcasting reel spooled with 12lb to 16lb Sunline Sniper line.

Wacky Stick

Wacky Rigged Tricks

One of the most popular ways to fish the Trick Stick the last few years has been to rig it wacky style in fact to help you with this rigging Big Bite has made a Wacky Rig Trick Stick that has an o-ring molded right into the Trick Stick for you to run your hook through. However you rig it fishing a Trick Stick wacky style should be in your arsenal of plans when you hit the water anytime. One of the biggest changes in this category has been the different jig heads that have hit the market now. Please take a closer look at what’s available to enhance your wacky rigging.

I fish my Wacky Rigs on a spinning setup 7′ medium, teamed with a matching spinning reel that is spooled with 8lb to 10lb Sunline Sniper line. If fishing in and around cover I opt to use a 7ft medium action baitcaster setup teamed with a baitcaster reel that is spooled with 12lb Sunline Sniper line.

So as we wrap up another issue of the Big Bite News Letter on Trick Sticks, I hope we have brought you some info that you have not either used or even thought of before. Once again as we have said Trick Sticks can be used all season long, but work best during the early part of the season. If you have some Trick Stick riggings and tactics that you would like to share with all the Big Bite fans please log onto the Big Bite Facebook page and share these tactics. To see all the Big Bite Trick Stick options and top fish catching Big Bite colors please log onto www.bigbitebaits.com  

Winona State Anglers Take Over Lead Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Regional Tournament

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Winona State Anglers Take Over Lead Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Regional Tournament

Wyatt Stout (left) and Cade Laufenberg of Winona State University weighed in 15 pounds, 1 ounces on Day 2 to take the lead Friday in the 2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Midwestern Regional presented by Bass Pro Shops held on the Mississippi River out of La Crosse, Wis.

Photo by Shaye Baker/Bassmaster

May 29, 2015

Winona State Anglers Take Over Lead Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Regional Tournament

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LA CROSSE, Wis. — A flurry of activity early Friday pushed the Winona State University (WSU) bass fishing team of Cade Laufenberg and Wyatt Stout into the lead on Day 2 of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Midwestern Regional.

Laufenberg and Stout have 29 pounds, 8 ounces of bass after two days of fishing on the Mississippi River. They checked in with a five-bass limit weighing 15-1 Friday, much of it caught shortly after fishing began. The pair had a limit by 6:15 a.m. They started the day on a hot spot that produced most of their first-day catch as well.

“We have a school of fish that’s been producing for us really well,” Laufenberg said. “We probably caught 15 to 20 bass out of there quick, mostly on a Lethal Weapons football jig, fishing it really slow.”

To keep from depleting the school, the WSU anglers visited other parts of the river. Frog lures netted a chunky smallmouth weighing about 3 pounds, enabling them to upgrade their total for the day by nearly a pound.

“That helped take some pressure off our primary spot,” Laufenberg said. “We think there should be plenty of fish there still for tomorrow.”

WSU holds a slim margin of 13 ounces over the second-place team of Justin Brown and Brandon Bissell of Northern Michigan University, who have 28-11 after two days.

For leading on Day 2, Laufenberg and Stout take home the Livingston Lures Leader Award. Troy Switajewski and Daniel Carlson of St. Cloud State are leading for the Carhartt Big Bass award with a 4-pound, 6-ounce bass they caught Friday.

With Northern Michigan University less than a pound behind and only 5 pounds separating the Top 10, Winona State’s anglers will be under pressure to repeat, or even improve upon, the heavy limits they put together the first two days.

Others in the Top 5 include Ty Woodward and Max Hellmann of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, third with 26-14; Sheldon Rogge and Lance Maldonado of Kansas State University, fourth with 26-11; and Austin Brimeyer and Anthony Riesberg of the University of Dubuque, fifth with 25-14.

In addition to the Midwestern Regional title, at stake are 13 qualifying spots in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. In 13th and on the bubble as the final round begins are Kit Benson and Wes Lashmett of Western Illinois University, who led after the first day of competition but dropped in the standings after catching only 9-1 Friday.

After a cut to the Top 20 teams, the remaining boats will head out onto the Mississippi River for one more day of competition Saturday. The final day’s festivities begin with launch at Veterans Freedom Park beginning at 5:30 a.m. CT and conclude with the Day 3 weigh-in also held at Veterans Freedom Park starting a 2 p.m. CT. Follow Bassmaster.com throughout the day for coverage from on the water and to view the LIVE streaming weigh-in at the end of the day.

The local host for the event is the LaCrosse Convention and Visitors Bureau.

2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Carhartt

2015 Bass Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops

2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, GoPro, Humminbird, Mercury, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Supporting Partners: A.R.E. Accessories, Dick Cepek Tires, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Rigid Industries, Shimano

A CLEAN BOAT IS A HAPPY BOAT PLANO’S NEW MARINE TRUNKS HELP ANGLERS STAY ORGANIZED, FOCUSED ON CATCHING FISH

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A CLEAN BOAT IS A HAPPY BOAT PLANO’S NEW MARINE TRUNKS HELP ANGLERS STAY ORGANIZED, FOCUSED ON CATCHING FISH

A CLEAN BOAT IS A HAPPY BOAT

PLANO’S NEW MARINE TRUNKS HELP ANGLERS STAY ORGANIZED, FOCUSED ON CATCHING FISH
 

Plano, IL (May 27, 2015) – Seems like no matter how big your boat, there’s never enough storage. In fact, the bigger the boat, the more essentials you need for a day on the water. From PFDs to extra clothing, rain gear, species and technique specific gear and tackle, emergency and tool kits, fenders, you name it, sometimes it feels like we need a boat to tow behind the boat – one for fishing and one for gear.

Thank goodness for Plano’s® Marine Trunks, new for 2015.

Model 191960 (108 Quart) shown

Available in three introductory sizes – 56-Quart Model 161, 68-Quart Model 171 and super-sized 108-Quart Model 191 – boaters and anglers now have the perfect storage solution. As the grumpy fishing captain’s cliché goes, “A clean boat is a happy boat.”

161960 – 56 Quart Marine Box

24.00” x 15.00” x 13.00”

171960 – 68 Quart Marine Box

30.00” x 14.25” x 12.75”

191960 – 108 Quart Marine Box

37.75” x 14” x 18.25”

For starters, Plano Marine Trunks are marine gray and blue to complement any fresh or saltwater vessel. Whether you run a bass boat, pontoon, center console bay boat, multi-species rig or something bigger, they become part of the boat – no square peg in a round hole.

Plus, the Marine Trunks have been painstakingly designed to take a beating from the water, salt and sun – even your bull in a china shop buddy who breaks everything. Nope, not your Plano Marine Trunk. These babies are made to withstand the rigors of real-world use like sucker punches from rough seas, off-road transport and shoves from dock onto deck.

 

All sizes feature an O-ring seal to ensure contents stay dry and out of the elements. Outside, these tough trunks are treated with a UV protective coating that resists fading, heat damage and ensures durability for years of use and abuse. Up top, the removable lid is reinforced, which means no stress cracking or fatigue.

Go ahead and stack ‘em high. The molded-groove lid is designed for it. Finally, Plano Marine Trunks also feature sturdy, removable and easy to open/close buckles and molded ports that make securing your trunks easy with standard tie-down straps and padlocks.

Do yourself and the grumpy fishing captain inside you a favor. Get organized and keep your boat in ship-shape with a stack of Plano Marine Trunks. Less hassle and mess means more time with your lines in the water—and more fish in the boat.

Model 161960 (56 Quart) shown

High Water, Wide Range Of Choices Await BASSfest Anglers At Kentucky Lake

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High Water, Wide Range Of Choices Await BASSfest Anglers At Kentucky Lake
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kevin VanDam will be one of 124 competitors at the Zippo Bassmaster BASSfest presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps, June 3-7 on Kentucky Lake. VanDam took home top honors in 2010 when he won the Bassmaster Elite Series Tennessee Triumph on the same fishery.
Photo by Seigo Saito/Bassmaster

May 29, 2015

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High Water, Wide Range Of Choices Await BASSfest Anglers At Kentucky Lake

PARIS, Tenn.— With half of the 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series season in the history books, the schedule now makes a major shift back to the Eastern United States for the Zippo BASSfest at Kentucky Lake presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps, June 3-7.

The tournament itself will feature a major shift in rules and formatting from a normal Elite Series event, with 111 Elite pros being joined by 13 invited anglers from the Bass Pro Shops Open circuit.

The full field of 124 anglers will fish the first two days on Kentucky Lake. Then on Day 3, any angler not ranked in the Top 50 will be eligible for a one-day Second Chance tournament on nearby Lake Barkley.

The Top 10 finishers from the Second Chance tournament will earn $10,000 and rejoin the original Top 50 on Day 4 for the resumption of the main event at Kentucky Lake. Only the Top 12 anglers will advance to Day 5.

The winner will receive an automatic berth into the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro and $100,000.

“BASSfest is a unique event that brings in dominant Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens anglers pitted against the world’s best Elite Series anglers,” said B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon. “Last year, one of those (Open) guys, Jacob Wheeler, walked off with the title and a Bassmaster Classic berth.

“For this event, 10 anglers have a shot at redemption on Lake Barkley once the initial cut is made on Kentucky Lake. The Top 10 from the Second Chance on Barkley not only garner a 10K payday, but move back into the fold for Day 4.”

The field is likely to find good fishing on Kentucky Lake — a mammoth 160,309-acre Tennessee River fishery that has been on a major upswing the past few years. Since February, anglers have been winning local tournaments with five-bass limits that often topped the 25-pound mark.

“The bass population on Kentucky Lake has been as strong the past two years as it’s ever been,” said Bobby Wilson, chief of fisheries for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. “We had a really good year class during a period of high water a few years back, and that seems to have made all the difference. Aquatic vegetation has also become more prominent on the lake, and that’s helped the fishing in several different ways.”

The talk about bass fishing on Kentucky Lake usually starts with its ledges. The fishery is nationally known for outstanding offshore ledge fishing, and local guide Steve McCadams said he expects anglers to flock to those areas during the event.

He said a wide range of baits are likely to produce good fish.

“Big crankbaits, jig-and-craw combos, Texas and Carolina rigged worms and big swimbaits usually top the popularity list on the ledges,” said McCadams, who began guiding on Kentucky Lake in 1972. “With the ledges, there are times when a school of fish might lay dormant for most of the day only to have a feeding spree and blitz up on a shelf in hot pursuit of shad. Things can change in a hurry.”

The only trouble with fishing ledges on Kentucky Lake is they’re sometimes a little too crowded. For anglers who don’t want to battle the traffic, McCadams said there will be options.

After recent heavy rains across the Mid-South region, the fishery is several inches above normal summer pool. That means the buckbrush, weedbeds and blowdowns on the shoreline will be flooded and likely holding fish.

“Kentucky Lake offers a good shallow bite right now with a lot of shoreline cover attracting schools of fry that have hatched out within the last month or so,” McCadams said. “The abundance of baitfish on the shallow structure always seems to hold fish here this time of year.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority has been generating lots of water in attempt to bring the lake back to normal summer pool. That’s creating a stronger current than usual, and it could be good for all anglers, no matter how deep they’re fishing.

“It really is a lake where several different patterns and depths can produce fish at the same time,” McCadams said. “I suspect the winner will have to land a limit weighing 25 pounds or so on a daily basis, although fishing pressure might diminish the top stringers on the final day or two.”

Daily takeoffs for the Kentucky Lake portion of the event will be at 6:15 a.m. from Paris Landing State Park with weigh-ins scheduled back at the park for 3:15 p.m. Also, on Friday, the Top 50 anglers will be onsite at the state park for Bassmaster University — free fishing seminars given by the pros.

Takeoff and weigh-in for the Second Chance tournament at Lake Barkley will be at Lick Creek Recreational Area, with takeoff set for 6:15 a.m. and weigh-in set for 2:30 p.m.

Open anglers taking part in BASSfest are: Scott Barnett, Mansfield, Tex.; Stetson Blaylock, Benton, Ark.; Troy Broussard, Beaumont, Tex.; Brian Clark, Haltom City, Tex.; Gary Clouse, LaVergne, Tenn.; Shin Fukae, Palestine, Tex.; Darold Gleason, Leesville, La.; Chris Johnston, Otanobee, Calif.; J.T. Kenney, Palm Bay, Fla.; Logan Sherre, Kamack, Tex.; Jess Tacoronte, Orlando, Fla.; Chad Wiley, Pineville, La.; Craig Workman, Fort Worth, Tex.

The local host for the event is the Paris Henry County Alliance.

Big Bass Lessons From An Offshore Whiz

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Big Bass Lessons From An Offshore Whiz

Big Bass Lessons From An Offshore Whiz

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Western Bass Pro Brent Ehrler ‘Messes With Texas’ — Wins Toyota Texas Big Bass Championship

EUFAULA, AL (May 29, 2015) – Redlands, California-based Humminbird pro Brent Ehrler thrives on fishing deep – beautifully demonstrated on the proving grounds of the recent Toyota Texas Big Bass Challenge on Texas’ famed Lake Fork.

The win typifies how offshore know-how – Ehrler’s dangerous blend of intuition, fishing electronics know-how and full fathom five experience – can manifest big weights and payout. Not only did Ehrler win the tournament, he captured the Tundra Big Bass of the tournament, a 10-11 stud, earning him a $35,000 Toyota Tundra, in addition to first place winnings.

“Growing up fishing bass in California teaches you a lot about clear- and deep-water fish. We’re typically fishing offshore in 20 to 30 feet instead of 5. Sure, we have some shallow water stuff, too, which makes West Coast anglers versatile. But me? I’m most comfortable in clear, deep water, especially with finesse tactics.”

But Ehrler says the deep-water situation he encountered on Lake Fork had little in common with his West Coast waters. For starters, his offshore program involved looking for high spots: humps, points, and the ends of long, extended points.

“When the bass finish the spawn on Fork they move out onto long, extending points near deeper water where there’s food: shad, bar fish, gizzard shad. But not just any long, extending point. You couldn’t just scratch one or two off every point. You might have to try 50 points, then one point would hold 50 fish!”

Utilizing the Depth Highlight feature on the LakeMaster chart view of his Humminbird ONIX 10ci SI, Ehrler found his best fish in the 18 – 25 foot zone. “I’d zoom out my map, run down the lake and pull up on what I thought looked good. LakeMaster made dialing into the right areas incredibly fast.”

He continues: “I’ve been a fan of LakeMaster mapping since the start. What I see via LakeMaster is better than anything out there. Plus, I can highlight what I want to highlight and make the map do what I want it to do, especially for offshore fishing. You can find fish faster by running to those colors.”

Ehrler credits the Humminbird ONIX for helping him take his game to the next level.  “Overall, the ONIX is better and more clear than anything I’ve ever used. The 2D sonar has the best picture and clarity I’ve ever seen.”

He adds that the latest 2.300 software update has taken performance through the roof, including the GPS, which he says is  “super clear and very true.”

“I really relied on the GPS during the TTBBC. I had to stay true on my spots. I would judge my distances with casting rings on 1199, but then the boat would blow a bit, yet I knew exactly where I was by watching my trail on my ONIX’s LakeMaster map. I knew exactly where I needed to cast.”

Those familiar with Ehrler know that Humminbird 2D sonar and Down Imaging are integral to his “video gaming” techniques for vertical-fishing deep-water structure and cover. He footnotes this technique when talking about the new ONIX transducer, which has dedicated crystals for Down Imaging, Side Imaging and 2D sonar.

“The Down Imaging on the ONIX is perfect. Humminbird did exactly what they needed to do. We now have a true Down Image and Side Image. On Lake Fork I could idle through the trees and see the schools of the crappies plain as day. If I was a crappie fisherman, it would be ugly. Seriously, if I lost everything, I would never go hungry on a lake with crappies. I can hardly wait for a tournament where there’s deep-water drop-shotting. It’s going to get real.”

 

Recounting the TTBBC, Ehrler says the Memorial Day win exceeded all personal expectations.

“Last day of the tournament I had one specific spot that I was catching fish on and I told myself that I’d fish there all day and hit one more spot later in the day. When the first spot went stagnant I ran down the lake and eased in real slow to my second spot. Then my line jumped and I set the hook on that little swimbait. It was a giant! 10-11! I knew I needed to catch a giant fish or two bigger fish to get over 30 pounds for a shot at the win. Just proves that any cast on Lake Fork can yield a fish big enough to win a Tundra! I went from 23 pounds to 29 pounds in one cast … pretty amazing!”

Ehrler says what’s even more amazing is what happened right after he boated the tournament’s biggest fish.

“Right after I got that fish in the boat, I slid off the spot a little bit and quickly reeled in my swimbait, then glanced at my ONIX. My jaw kind of dropped when I saw two big marks swimming back down to the bottom. Based on that behavior, I knew right then and that they didn’t want to bite but could turn on later. So I ran and fished another spot for 20 minutes, came back, and on my third cast I caught a 6 and got rid of my last 3 pounder. That wouldn’t have happened without my ONIX.”

Although Ehrler had experience and technological know-how on his side, he’s quick to point out the serendipity of his win.

“Everything just came together. I made the right decisions, but the way it came together, it’s not something you can do everywhere. Pretty difficult to duplicate. I’m very thankful.”

 

He adds: “I caught a glimpse of Keith Combs’ TTBBC ring before the event and thought, wow, that would be cool, but never thought it was something I’d win. It’s like being a Super Bowl champ. I’m incredibly humbled.”

Ehrler’s advice for anglers looking to sharpen their offshore game?

Electronics: “Humminbird sonar is crucial … and get a LakeMaster map card. If you want to find and catch fish deep, you need the tools to see what’s down there. I run split-screen 2D and mapping from the bow on an ONIX 10ci SI and 1199 SI with my transducers set to 200kHz. The factory settings are right about where they need to be. I don’t do anything radical; pretty much turn it on and go.”

Deep-Diving Cranks: “Get out your deep-divers. My favorite is the Lucky Craft 3.5XD, which dives 18-20 feet. I use it to fire up schools into biting. I like standard forage colors and throw it on 12-lb. Sunline FC Sniper Fluoro.”

Swimbaits: “Deep fish eat baitfish, so add swimbaits to the list. I take a ¾-ounce BOSS jighead and thread on a 5- or 6-inch Basstrix or Yamamoto saltwater swimbait – I don’t use the crazy big swimbaits. Then fish on a slow roll.”

Pigskin: “The football jig is your friend. I always have a rod tied with a ¾-ounce BOSS green pumpkin football jig with a 5-inch green pumpkin Yamamoto Double Grub.”

WALMART FLW TOUR SET FOR RETURN TO LAKE CHICKAMAUGA

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WALMART FLW TOUR SET FOR RETURN TO LAKE CHICKAMAUGA

WALMART FLW TOUR SET FOR RETURN TO LAKE CHICKAMAUGA

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DAYTON, Tenn. (May 28, 2015) – The fifth tournament of the 20th anniversary season of the Walmart FLW Tour, the most competitive Tour in professional bass-fishing, kicks off June 11-14 with the Walmart FLW Tour at Lake Chickamauga presented by Igloo Coolers. Hosted by the Rhea Economic and Tourism Council, the tournament will feature 151 of the world’s best bass-fishing professionals and co-anglers casting for top awards of up to $125,000 cash in the pro division and up to $25,000 cash in the co-angler division.

“There won’t be much of a hometown advantage in this tournament,” said local pro Michael Neal of Dayton, who finished in third place when the FLW Tour last competed on Chickamauga in 2012. “Last time, Andy (Morgan), Wesley (Strader) and I had a few places that we could go fish that nobody really knew about. Now we’ve been featured on the TV show and been seen by a lot of people. Chickamauga is pretty small and there are not many off-the-wall places to be found. This one is going to be anybody’s tournament.”
Neal said that the lack of current over the past few weeks has the fish suspended and scattered on the Tennessee River impoundment. With plenty of rainfall being forecast in the days leading up to the tournament, Neal predicted that the fishing would greatly improve and that by the time the tournament rolls around the lake would be close to perfect.
“I think that at least half of the top-10 finishers will be fishing the schools on the ledges,” Neal said. “One or two anglers will be fishing shallow – docks, or different structure like that. Then, one or two anglers will be fishing grass. I think the majority of the field will be fishing the deep schools out deep, though, and I’m pretty sure that is how the tournament will be won.
“The lake is going to be fishing pretty tightly,” Neal continued. “A lot of anglers will be bunched up together on the big schools. I can’t do that, and I try to avoid the crowds at all costs. Making it to the weekend cut will be the key for me, because it will open up the mega schools and there won’t be nearly as much pressure.”
Neal said that swimbaits and big football-head jigs would be key baits – he’ll have a 5½-inch Big Bite Baits BB Kicker swimbait and a few big Kustom Kicker Red Zone: Beast Mode football-head jigs tied on. He also said that Magnum Spoons, 10-inch worms, ChatterBaits and topwaters would also be very productive, along with jigs and soft plastics for the anglers who choose to flip docks.
“I think that it’ll take around 36 to 38 pounds to make the top-20 cut and fish the weekend,” Neal went on to say. “I think the winner will have a four-day total right around 85 pounds. This is going to be an awesome derby.”
In FLW Tour competition, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2015 Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing. The 2015 Forrest Wood Cup will be in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Aug. 20-23 on Lake Ouachita and is hosted by Visit Hot Springs. The Forrest Wood Cup Champion could win as much as $500,000 – professional bass-fishing’s richest prize.
Anglers will take off from the Dayton Boat Dock located at 175 Lakeshore Street in Dayton at 6:30 a.m. EDT each day of competition. Thursday and Friday’s weigh-ins will be held at the Dayton Boat Dock beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday’s final weigh-ins will be held at Walmart, located at 3034 Rhea County Highway, in Dayton beginning at 4 p.m.
Fans will also be treated to the FLW Expo on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at Walmart in Dayton prior to the final weigh-ins. The Expo includes a Ranger boat simulator, the opportunity to interact with professional anglers, enjoy interactive games, activities and giveaways provided by sponsors, and learn more about the sport of fishing and other outdoor activities. All activities are free and open to the public. Pros Rich Dalbey and Todd Hollowell’s “Hooked on Helping” foundation will be hosting a food drive to benefit Recovery Dayton, sponsored by the Mountain View UM Church. FLW fans who donate five or more cans of food will be entered to win a $50 Walmart gift card.
As part of the FLW Tour’s community outreach initiative, FLW Tour anglers will be special guests at the Chuck Copeland Memorial Kid’s Fishing Rodeo at the Spring City Veteran’s Park in Spring City, Tennessee, on Saturday, June 6 from 7 a.m. to Noon. Keystone Light pro Chad Grigsby and 2015 Lake Toho Champion J.T. Kenney will be joined by the Rhea County trio of Livingston Lures pro Andy Morgan, Wesley Strader and Michael Neal to promote the sport of bass fishing and sign autographs for the young anglers.
Coverage of the Lake Chickamauga tournament will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) October 26 from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. EDT when Season 20 of “FLW” returns this fall. The Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show airs on NBCSN, the Pursuit Channel and the World Fishing Network and is broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.

Western Illinois Takes Early Lead In Carhartt College Series

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Western Illinois Takes Early Lead In Carhartt College Series

Kit Benson (left) and Wes Lashmett of Western Illinois University take the Day 1 lead on the Mississippi River with 14 pounds, 15 ounces in the 2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Midwestern Regional presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Photo by Shaye Baker/Bassmaster

May 28, 2015

Western Illinois Takes Early Lead In Carhartt College Series

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LA CROSSE, Wis. — Big smallmouth bass boosted Western Illinois University to the top of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series leaderboard Thursday, the first round of the three-day Midwestern Regional presented by Bass Pro Shops.

The consensus among anglers prior to the start of fishing Thursday morning was that smallmouth bass would be a larger factor in the competition than largemouth. Kit Benson and Wes Lashmett of Western Illinois proved the theory at weigh-in after they brought in in two smallmouth weighing just under 4 pounds. The largest, a 3-pound, 13-ounce bass, claimed Carhartt Big Bass honors for Day 1.

Those fish anchored a five-bass limit weighing 14-15, which put the teammates just 2 ounces ahead of Justin Brown and Brandon Bissell of Northern Michigan University, and 8 ounces in front of Cade Laufenberg and Wyatt Stout of Winona State University, who had 14-7.

“We caught those two big ones on back-to-back casts,” Lashmett said.

“My hands were shaking and my legs were shaking,” Benson added. “I was so pumped.”

Lashmett and Benson didn’t want to elaborate on what they were doing to catch their fish today, but like most anglers, the Western Illinois team welcomes the storm that is forecast for Friday. Rain pelted the Mississippi River fishery throughout practice sessions, when most teams were catching bass. Anglers didn’t fare as well when competition began under much more comfortable weather conditions.

Most of the teams in the Top 10 scrambled to catch their weight in the clear-sky conditions. Those near the top of the leaderboard viewed their weigh-in bags as attempts at survival and hope rainstorms will energize bass on Friday.

The full field of 82 boats will return to the Mississippi for Day 2 of competition tomorrow with the field being cut to the Top 20 for the third and final day. The Top 13 at the end of the event will move on to the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. Troy Switajewski and Daniel Carlson of St. Cloud State of Minnesota sit on the bubble after Day 1 with 12-2.

Day 2 begins at Veterans Freedom Park in La Crosse, Wisc., with takeoff slated for 5:30 a.m. CT. Anglers will return to Veterans Freedom Park for weigh-in at 2:00 PM CT. The Day 2 and 3 weigh-in as well as photos, stories and video from on the water can be viewed on Bassmaster.com.

The local host for the event is the LaCrosse Convention and Visitors Bureau.

2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Carhartt

2015 Bass Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops

2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, GoPro, Humminbird, Mercury, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Supporting Partners: A.R.E. Accessories, Dick Cepek Tires, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Rigid Industries, Shimano

Top 10 baits from Lake Seminole

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Top 10 baits from Lake Seminole

Top 10 baits from Lake Seminole

3. Tim Reneau of Texas claimed third place with 1¼-ounce Strike King Hack Attack jigs in blue craw and candy craw that he tipped with Strike King Rage Tail Rage Bugs.

May 26, 2015  by Jody White

1. Clint Brown picked up the win with a Bass Pro Shops buzzbait, an Okeechobee craw-colored Bruiser Baits Intruder and a Dirty Jigs swimjig in a shad pattern.

1. Clint Brown picked up the win with a Bass Pro Shops buzzbait, an Okeechobee craw-colored Bruiser Baits Intruder and a Dirty Jigs swimjig in a shad pattern.

 

2. Ken Ellis relied on a whacky-rigged watermelon red-colored Zoom Trick Worm for all of his fish.

2. Ken Ellis relied on a whacky-rigged watermelon red-colored Zoom Trick Worm for all of his fish.

 

3. Tim Reneau of Texas claimed third place with 1¼-ounce Strike King Hack Attack jigs in blue craw and candy craw that he tipped with Strike King Rage Tail Rage Bugs.

3. Tim Reneau of Texas claimed third place with 1¼-ounce Strike King Hack Attack jigs in blue craw and candy craw that he tipped with Strike King Rage Tail Rage Bugs.

 

4. Scott Wiley caught every one of his keepers with a rainforest black-colored SPRO Bronzeye Frog 65.

4. Scott Wiley caught every one of his keepers with a rainforest black-colored SPRO Bronzeye Frog 65.

 

5. One of the few who fished deep all week, John Hunter boated his better fish on a powder blue/chartreuse-colored Strike King 10XD (citrus shad is the color pictured) and added a few with a Texas-rigged Zoom Ol' Monster worm in the plum color.

5. One of the few who fished deep all week, John Hunter boated his better fish on a powder blue/chartreuse-colored Strike King 10XD (citrus shad is the color pictured) and added a few with a Texas-rigged Zoom Ol’ Monster worm in the plum color.

 

6. Rodger Beaver tossed a Carolina-rigged 6-inch Zoom Lizard as well as a 1/2-ounce Strikezone Master Blaster spinnerbait and 1/2-ounce Buddha Bait spinnerbait.

6. Rodger Beaver tossed a Carolina-rigged 6-inch Zoom Lizard as well as a 1/2-ounce Strikezone Master Blaster spinnerbait and 1/2-ounce Buddha Bait spinnerbait.

 

7. After a disappointing finish in the FLW Tour event at Eufaula, Clayton Batts bounced back with a citrus shad-colored SPRO Little John DD, a 1-ounce Strikezone Ledgebuster spinnerbait (not pictured), a Strikezone Master Blaster 3/4-ounce spinnerbait and a Big Bite Baits B2 Worm.

7. After a disappointing finish in the FLW Tour event at Eufaula, Clayton Batts bounced back with a citrus shad-colored SPRO Little John DD, a 1-ounce Strikezone Ledgebuster spinnerbait (not pictured), a Strikezone Master Blaster 3/4-ounce spinnerbait and a Big Bite Baits B2 Worm.

 

8. When all else fails, John Bitter reverts to one bait that always works for him on Seminole: his own junebug blue silver-colored Bitter's Best Value 8-inch ribbontail worm.

8. When all else fails, John Bitter reverts to one bait that always works for him on Seminole: his own junebug blue silver-colored Bitter’s Best Value 8-inch ribbontail worm.

 

9. Day-one leader Bradley Enfinger threw an 11-inch plum apple-colored NetBait C-Mac on a ¼-ounce Texas rig for nearly all of the fish he caught that mattered.

9. Day-one leader Bradley Enfinger threw an 11-inch plum apple-colored NetBait C-Mac on a ¼-ounce Texas rig for nearly all of the fish he caught that mattered.

 

10. Sven Hilland fished shallow and deep with a huge variety of baits. Some of his top baits were a bone-colored Heddon One Knocker Spook, a sun gill-colored Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper, a Keitech Swing Impact FAT on a 1/2-ounce Sworming Hornet Weedless Fish Head Spin and a drop-shot Zoom Swamp Crawler.

10. Sven Hilland fished shallow and deep with a huge variety of baits. Some of his top baits were a bone-colored Heddon One Knocker Spook, a sun gill-colored Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper, a Keitech Swing Impact FAT on a ½-ounce Sworming Hornet Weedless Fish Head Spin and a drop-shot Zoom Swamp Crawler.

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